Examining Progress Of Maine Health Care Initiative

"Leading the Way? Maine's Initial Experience in Expanding Coverage Through Dirigo Health Reforms," Commonwealth Fund:The report examines progress that Maine's Dirigo Health Reform Act,adopted in 2003, has made in making affordable health care coverageavailable to all state residents by 2009. The program aims to slowgrowth in health care costs and improve the quality of care.

The reportalso analyzes two coverage initiatives -- Dirigo Choice and a Medicaideligibility expansion -- and issues such as financing sources,incentives for small firms, employer mandates, plan administration,cost-containment provisions and benefit design (Commonwealth Fundrelease, 12/5).

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